SOUTH Pool resident Pete Morris has been named Young Pioneer of the Year by The Manufacturer magazine.

Pete, who started his business Lockabox in 2012, was named in The Manufacturer Top 100 and Young Pioneer of the Year at their awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 2.

Lockabox started when Pete was at university in Southampton and wanted a way of stopping housemates from stealing food from the communal fridge. What started as a way to lock your food away from hungry students, became a way of keeping anything secure in homes, schools and workplaces.

He was nominated by the CEO of the Made In Britain Campaign John Pierce. ‘I knew nothing about it until I got the invite’, said Pete, ‘I’m now able to credibly network with the others in the 100, some of which are practically famous like Jordan Daykin from Gripit - who appeared on Dragon’s Den.’

Asked about what is up next for him and Lockabox, he said: ‘I’ve been working on my vision, a rethink of what this simple yet unique product can do with the right marketing and direction. ‘There’s lots more to come from me and Lockabox over the next six months and this award is the beginning.’

You can find out more about Lockabox on the website: lockabox.com